Two arrests made in connection with drive-by shooting

Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren announced today that two subjects have been arrested and a third is being sought in connection with a December 18, 2011, shooting in Muscatine.

Today detectives from the Muscatine Police Department and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force served arrest warrants charging the following two individuals:

Eugene Williams, III

DOB: 11/28/1989

1716 Stewart Road, Muscatine

Latisha Breen

a/k/a Latisha Williams

DOB: 4/16/1980

517 Main Street, Muscatine

Eugene Williams was arrested in Davenport, Iowa with the assistance of the Davenport Police Department. Latisha Breen was arrested in Muscatine by the Muscatine Police Department. Both were taken into custody without incident. Each will be held in the Muscatine County Jail until an initial appearance at 8:30 a.m. on February 1, 2012. Eugene Williams is being held on $750,000 bond. Latisha Breen is being held on $500,000 bond.

These individuals were charged with Attempt to Commit Murder, a class “B” felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 25 years; Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, a class “C” felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed ten years; and Going Armed with Intent, a class “D” felony punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed five years.

The charges against both defendants arise from an investigation into a drive-by shooting at a residence located at 1611 Orange Street, Muscatine on December 18, 2011.

In addition, law enforcement seeks the public’s assistance in the apprehension of Andre Williams, DOB: 4/22/1983 in connection with incident. Persons with knowledge of Andre Williams’ location should contact the Muscatine County Joint Communication Center at (563) 263-9922.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed to be innocent unless convicted in court.

Muscatine man found guilty after jury trial

Today (January 18, 2012) in Muscatine County District Court a jury found HARVEY L. THOMAS (DOB: 6-11-1946) formerly of 1816 Logan Street, Apt. F8, Muscatine, guilty of the offense of Assault Causing Bodily Injury. This offense is a serious misdemeanor.

THOMAS was charged by Muscatine Police Department following an incident at THOMAS' residence where he assaulted an adult female on October 27, 2011. The victim suffered bruising and contusions on her head, chest, arms, and back.

"I am pleased with this result," said Muscatine County Attorney Alan R. Ostergren who had prosecuted the case. "The defendant beat up the victim for no apparent reason and then tried to claim that she had been the aggressor. The jury obviously did not believe him," he continued.

The Hon. Mark J. Smith presided over the trial. He sentenced the defendant to serve 365 days in jail with 185 days suspended. The defendant will be required to complete two years of probation, pay a fine of $315, and repay the victim's medical bills. In addition the Court ordered the THOMAS to have no contact with the victim. THOMAS had been held in the Muscatine County Jail since his arrest shortly after the incident. He will remain in jail until his sentence has been served.

Ostergren commended Muscatine Police Department Off. Adam Raisbeck and Sgt. David O'Connor for their work on the case. "The police did an excellent job - both in responding to the original call and in conducting a follow up investigation. They gave me the evidence I needed to get this result in court," he said.

Prison sentence in child sex abuse case

Today in Muscatine County District Court MICHAEL JAMES KOUT (DOB: 2/25/1970) of Maynard, Iowa, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Lascivious Acts with a Child, a class "C" felony.

The Court imposed a prison sentence for a term not to exceed ten years and a fine of $1,000. In addition KOUT will be on supervised release as if on parole for the remainder of his life following the completion of his sentence of incarceration.

KOUT was arrested by detectives with the Muscatine Police Department following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child under the age of twelve.

Sentencing in marijuana delivery case

Today in Muscatine County District Court ERIC STEPHEN VASQUEZ (DOB: 8/15/1982) of Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, each a class "D" felony. The Court deferred judgment and placed the defendant on probation for a period of two years. The defendant was ordered to pay a total of $ 2,250 in civil penalties.

VASQUEZ was arrested by agents of the Muscatine County Drug Task Force after an investigation in which he sold approximately four ounces of marijuana.

Muscatine man sentenced for going armed with intent and aggravated assault

Today (December 16, 2011) in Muscatine County District Court Scott Thomas BARBERICH, of Muscatine, was sentenced for Going Armed with Intent, a class "D" felony, and Aggravated Assault, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that the defendant was involved in an altercation with another motorist while driving on U.S. Highway 61.  BARBERICH fired a shot from a handgun, striking the other vehicle one time.

BARBERICH received a suspended prison sentence for the felony offense and was ordered to serve 180 days in the Muscatine County Jail for the misdemeanor offense.

Man sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor

Today (December 16, 2011) in Muscatine County District Court JAMES FORRESTER, JR. (DOB: 2/4/1959), formerly of 318 E. 3rd Street, Apt. 3, Muscatine was sentenced after pleading guilty to Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class "C" felony, and Tampering with a Witness, an aggravated misdemeanor.  The Court imposed consecutive prison sentences for a total term of not to exceed twelve years.  In addition, FORRESTER, will be placed on supervised release for the remainder of his life after he completes his prison sentence.  He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that FORRESTER performed a sex act against a fourteen year old and then threatened the victim to prevent the victim from coming forward to law enforcement.

FORRESTER was ordered to be immediately transported to the Iowa Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

Guilty pleas entered

Today (Dec. 16, 2011) in Muscatine County District Court:

ESPERANZA NUNEZ (DOB: 7/16/1957) of 1307 Lucas Street, Muscatine pled guilty to two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, each a class "C" felony.  NUNEZ was arrested after an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force in which she sold cocaine and hydrocodone.  NUNEZ will be sentenced January 27, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.

LAURA BAZAN (DOB: 11/15/1969) of 300 Sage Ct., West Liberty, pled guilty to Theft in the Second Degree, a class "D" felony, and Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, an aggravated misdemeanor.  Investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that she had misused a credit card issued by the State of Iowa for transfer of child support payments.  BAZAN stole the card issued to her daughter and spent approximately $8,100 which had been intended to support her daughter's child.  BAZAN will be sentenced  January 27, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.

MARCEL WARREN (DOB: 12/23/1992) of 1014 Orange Street, Muscatine, pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, a class "D" felony.  Investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force showed that WARREN had been the operator of a motor vehicle which was stopped by law enforcement.  A passenger in the vehicle had approximately three pounds of marijuana in his possession.  WARREN admitted to driving the passenger in order to complete a drug transaction.